D T I - CLEEP

August 28, 2009

Last month I was able to attend a series of free lively hood project seminar by DTI-CLEEP, (Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program) by the Department of Trade and Industry. It occurs every Wednesday afternoon at the D T I conference office Cebu branch, with free snacks. I understand this is one of the projects of the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. And this was launched last February 2009 and simultaneous road show nationwide

This project aims to inspire and encourage displaced workers and unemployed persons to engage in their own businesses and learn different skills and crafts amid the global financial crisis.  And encouraging, all overseas workers to avail, business loan with a maximum of fifty thousand.

Sad to note that I was able to learn this  a month ago about this series of seminars while reading one   local news paper, I am very interested to attend for future possible  business and additional knowledge and imagine this is free.

Some of the seminars that I have attended were, virgin coconut oil making, establish lotto outlet, chocolate making, powder soap and fabric conditioner/softener, squash canton and business plan.

I’ve learn a lot and was craving for more however in  central visayas it only lasted last July2009.

mega sale

August 18, 2009

Last week end was a three day mega sale one of the biggest Mall here in Cebu -Shoe Mart  and this happen  only twice a year, one in April I guess. As usual everybody was eager to drop by, to avail the big discounts. For the reason that life is so hard and a little sale and freebies would be a big help.

We wake up early together with my sister who happens to visit us, planning to attend the holy mass in the said mall to avoid traffic, easy parking and huge crowd.  Although mass is less solemn but what is important the whole hearted offering love of the Lord. After the mass around ten the influx of the crowd was increasing.  The girls went to ladies wear of Shoe mart Department Store, Mango, Trinoma, Guess and other ladies specialty store.  I went also to the men’s wear of department store, looking for a big discount on good brands, like wrangler, Levi’s, lee and Guess, but somehow I feel it’s still expensive, this is usually what you feel especially if you have limited money. So what I did I roam around the mall visiting some signature store. At Fubu  I found  a polo and a long sleeve  at 200 pesos each very cheap with a quality material I immediately bought it after the fitting. I feel good and happy after the purchase.

We had lunch at the Bigby’s Restaurant we order salad our favorite and a  sea food platter with their bottomless  ice tea.  Then later, we went to the grocery for any freebies, there were some items like can sardines, soap, napkins, diapers, and others.  When we are about to go home I notice one furniture store offering a big discounts, I notice a stand with a marble base for 500 pesos with a 2,500 pesos previous price, the ladies where still busy with the 99pesos blouses and immediately inform them  and this is good for their bags, umbrellas.  We agreed to buy two pieces, the owner was a pure Chinese. When we arrive home, I immediately assembled it, it was beautiful and a good buy.

Mega Sale is a good chance to buy cheap clothes, shoes, accessories, and others but one should be diligent enough to search for a good buy, for me it’s fun and adventure  and tiresome after.

 

burial traditions…

August 6, 2009

Last week of August 2009, we travel to camotes islands to attend the burial of my brother in law…at 48 he died of complications, married with three kids.  We have visited the place of Lanao last April 2009 to attend their fiesta. We travel via MV wonderful star, an overnight to Ormoc City then two hours by pump boat to Pilar pier one of the town of Camotes islands, then to barangay  Lanao.

It was a painful meeting with the family, it pains my heart seeing him in the casket, I would always remember him with eye glasses and an excellent host. He will do everything to make your stay memorable from accommodations, transportation to sea foods.  He was very popular in the whole town from the politicians, to common people, to children, being friendly, cordial and he always wanted to share what he has.

Expenses were quite enormous during the bereavement; we have slaughtered two pigs and one letchon, fishes and vegetables, snacks after the nightly prayer for nine days from the time of death.

There were lots of traditions to be followed:

Contentious lighting of candle, someone would always be awake near the casket at all times, no sweeping of the floor, avoids taking a bath in the house. No cutting of hair and nails, foods no pancit or noodles dishes and  malunggay vegetable. All the immediate family will wear either black or white; the grieving wife would wear black for one whole year. During the burial always the feet portion first in moving. And a plate should be broken upon departing the house and the immediate member should pass under the casket. No one is allowed to walk ahead of the hearse. All the alms money should be spent related to the burial, all the leftover food and goods should remain in the house and no one is allowed to bring it home.  The clothes of the dead either be burned or not to be shared with in one year. Prayers for the dead every 8:00pm on the evening for nine days lead by a local pious woman then after a burial one to three days prayer as “pabaun” then a prayer at forty days, that’s the only time one can go back to cemetery after the burial.

All this traditions are a little bit confusing and without reasons, I guess there’s nothing harm if we follow, what I understand this is handed from one generation to generations.

I guess what’s important we offer prayers and masses for the dead soul.